The temperatures are rising, and so is the excitement about spring break. Now's the time when people are getting ready for fun in the sun ... and looking for a deal in the process.

Bronze World Travel's Tonya Fitzpatrick joined us on set Thursday to share some tips on how to avoid having travel scams spoil your party.

Sometimes customers get scammed when a company offers a free plane ticket. Sure, the ticket is free -- but you have to book your meals and lodging through them at an inflated price. It can even cost more than the "free" plane ticket is worth!

Another common scam is when customers unwittingly accept a free vacation package. They find themselves stuck in a dingy hotel and they're forced to pay an exorbitant fee to switch to something that's acceptable.

To make sure this doesn't happen to you, Tonya says to think like a lawyer. Do your own research, ask questions and get the details in writing. Some unsolicited offers can be legit, but you'll need to make sure you're diligent with your research. Look to see if the company is affiliated with the American Society of Travel Agents. And never give your credit card number over the phone to someone you don't know.

If you'd like to find out more about travel scams and how to avoid them, click over to the left on "Safe And Secure." Or just use this link.

Travel can be fun, but the old adage is right: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!